**4. Conclusion and future directions**

SLE is a complex and devastating disease. Without a possible cure in sight, patients with SLE rely on treatment based on symptoms to improve their quality of life. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of clinical trials with novel biologics that give hope to further improvements in the therapy of SLE. However, a knowledge gap exists in the current understanding of the molecular basis of SLE. Understanding the basis of susceptibility to SLE could open avenues to treat the disease at an early stage before it progresses to severe systemic disease. Primary research is needed to uncover the cause of the disease and, specifically, the reason for the development of autoantibodies, immune system dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. The determinants of disease severity are unknown, challenging current treatment regimens. The existing treatments for SLE usually include immunosuppression, which predisposes patients to infection, the primary cause of premature mortality in SLE patients. From the therapy point of view, it is essential to identify the underlying genetic and epigenetic profiles, immune mechanisms, and the severity of the disease to deliver personalized therapy.
